The Pros and Cons of Day Care Centers
Day care centers can cost between $500 and $1,250 per child, per month, depending upon your location, competition for available spaces, the number of children you have, and how many hours per day they will be in day care.
Pros |
Cons |
State licensed |
Limited flexibility |
Cheaper than home-based |
Limited one-on-one interaction |
Stimulating atmosphere |
Susceptible to spreading of viruses |
Multiple caretakers |
You'll have to keep child home when sick |
Supervised care |
Usually won't take infants under three months |
Educated caretakers |
May be too structured for your child |
Even though day care centers have to obtain a state license and undergo state inspections, licensure only means that a center has met the minimum requirements. You will want to talk with other parents, your pediatrician, or anyone else who might know a center's reputation and reliability.
Once you've narrowed your search, take time to meet personally with the director and its staff. Some questions to ask include the following:
What are the age requirements?
Are you licensed by the state?
Are the caretakers licensed teachers? Are they degreed in early childhood education?
Do you have flexible hours?
What is the child-to-caretaker ratio?
Do you have a curriculum?
Do you include social and physical activities?
Will my child receive individual attention?
What do you do to minimize the spreading of germs?
Do you have provisions for emergency situations? A doctor on call?
Do you have restrictions on illness? Fever? Rash?
What happens if I'm late?
When you narrow down your choices again, it's time to ask questions about costs. Make sure you ask the following:
How much do you charge per child?
Will I have to pay during vacations?
Are there extra costs (for art supplies, food, day trips)?
Do you require parent participation?
Do you charge penalties for being late to pick up my children?
What is your payment schedule? Do you have a grace period for late payments?
Do you offer any scholarships or grants for low-income parents?
If you require a deposit, is it due in a lump sum, or can I pay it in monthly installments?
What is your cancellation policy?
Once you've found the ideal day care center, it's wise to play by their rules and to make sure you arrive on time, pay on time, and show appreciation for a job well done. They are nurturing your children, and a good caregiver is worth her weight in gold.
